By Michael Eng | Managing Editor
City commissioners approved on Monday an ordinance that makes changes to the Plant City code regarding the sale and outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The ordinance broadens the area on which alcohol may be sold and consumed at Plant City Stadium and the Randy L. Larson Four Plex. Under the existing code, which was approved in 1987 when the Cincinnati Reds moved to Plant City, alcohol was allowed within the stadium itself. The approved ordinance allows for alcohol to be sold and consumed on the grounds but outside the stadium as well, a change that will benefit events such as the annual Pig Jam, City Manager Greg Horwedel said.
Furthermore, under the existing code, the city prohibits outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages within 500 feet of a business that sells alcohol. The approved ordinance adds and exception for temporary events, such as St. Patrick’s Day or Cinco de Mayo celebrations, lasting no longer than 72 hours.
City weathers storm
Horwedel said Plant City fared well following rain related to Tropical Storm Isaac.
On Aug. 23, crews cleaned ditches throughout the city in anticipation for Isaac’s arrival. Throughout the weekend, Horwedel said he observed no structural damage, only minor flooding and only one downed tree near Oaklawn Cemetery on Wheeler Street.
Furthermore, while many municipalities kept their offices closed Monday, Plant City opted to open as planned.
“We kept our operations opened; we picked up garbage (as usual),” Horwedel said. “And I think we made the right decision.”
Brownfields work continues
Horwedel also reported work began Aug. 20, to clean the area of the former Gro Mor Fertilizer Plant, 307 S. Evers St.
PPM Consultants Inc., the environmental consultant for the Midtown brownfield sites, selected Enviro Tek Inc., of Tampa, for the cleanup and remediation. Work includes the excavation and removal of about 3,660 tons of contaminated soil and backfilling the excavated area with clean soil.
Work will be complete by Sept. 30.
Sydney Road project
Sydney Road Reclaimed Water Project work near Bryan Elementary and Tomlin Middle schools should be complete by the end of the month.
Work also has begun at the Walden Lake golf course.
Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
IN OTHER NEWS
• The commission recognized Plant City police officer Mark Mathis as the Plant City Police Department’s Employee of the Month for August. While conducting a traffic stop, Mathis identified the individual responsible for several residential burglaries in the Walden Lake and Trapnell Ridge area. More than $7,000 in stolen property was recovered, as well as more than $1,000 in drugs.
• Commissioners will discuss a rezoning request on a property at 1109 W. Grant Street from R-1A (Single-Family) to R-2 (Multi-Family) at their Sept. 10 meeting.
• Mayor Mike Sparkman presented proclamations recognizing Plant City Little League’s 10-11 and 11-12 All-Star teams.mobile.wihack.com